Stars and Struggles: From Tom Hanks to Bruce Willis, 8 famous parents whose children went to rehab

Here are eight notable figures whose children battled addiction and ended up in rehab
PUBLISHED JAN 31, 2024
Tom Hanks, Cher and Bruce Willis are some of the parents whose children went to rehab (Getty Images)
Tom Hanks, Cher and Bruce Willis are some of the parents whose children went to rehab (Getty Images)

Road to sobriety: 8 celebrities who grappled with their children's rehab journeys

(Getty Images)
Jon Bon Jovi, Cher and Kirk Douglas are some of the parents whose children battled substance abuse and ended up in rehab (Getty Images)

Navigating the challenges of parenting can be particularly demanding for celebrities, whose families often face public scrutiny. Unfortunately, some famous parents have had to witness their children grapple with substance abuse issues, leading them to seek rehabilitation. Here are eight notable figures who have experienced the struggles of having their children go to rehab.

1. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter, Tallulah Willis

366722 03: UNDATED FILE PHOTO: Actor Bruce Willis and actress Demi Moore. On October 25, 2000, it ha
Tallulah Willis is the youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore (Getty Images)

Tallulah Willis, the youngest daughter of Hollywood power couple Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, has been candid about her ongoing battle with eating disorders and substance abuse. In a revealing interview with Teen Vogue in 2015, she shared the pivotal moment that triggered her self-critical mindset. Seeking refuge at Driftwood Recovery, Tallulah confronted body dysmorphic disorder, a challenge she had faced since the age of 13.

2. Cher's alleged intervention for Elijah Blue Allman

387015 31: Actress-singer Cher and son Elijah Blue attend the premiere of the film
Cher denied kidnapping her son, Elijah Blue Allman, to force him to enter rehab (Getty Images)

In 2023, rumors circulated about legendary singer Cher orchestrating a dramatic intervention for her son, Elijah Blue Allman. Reports suggested that Cher enlisted the help of four individuals to retrieve Elijah from a hotel room after a relapse. While a friend attested to Cher's dedication as a mother, the singer dismissed the alleged incident. Cher stated she "would not say" either way regarding the kidnapping claims.

3. Jon Bon Jovi's heart-wrenching moment with Stephanie Rose Bongiovi

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 14:  Inductee Jon Bon Jovi attends the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame In
After an accidental overdose, singer Jon Bon Jovi's daughter Stephanie Rose Bongiovi almost died (Getty Images)

Rock icon Jon Bon Jovi faced every parent's nightmare in 2012 when his daughter, Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, was discovered in her college dorm room following a heroin overdose. Jon expressed the profound impact of that moment, deeming it his "worst moment as a father." Stephanie Rose's parents were reportedly unaware of her struggles with heroin, and the incident prompted a swift response to ensure her well-being.

4. Kirk Douglas' son Eric Douglas

SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 3:  Actor Kirk Douglas and wife Anne Douglas are seen at Florence
Kirk Douglas' youngest son with Anne Buydens, Eric Douglas, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on July 6, 2004 (Getty Images)

The late Kirk Douglas, along with his wife Anne Buydens, mourned the loss of their youngest son, Eric Douglas, in 2004. Eric's death was attributed to "acute intoxication" resulting from a combination of painkillers, tranquilizers, and alcohol. Eric had previously sought help in a rehab facility in 1996, but the situation worsened after prescribed medications. Tragically, he underwent another stint in rehab shortly before his untimely passing.

5. Nicolas Cage's son, Weston Cage

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 12: Nicolas Cage, from the film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, poses
Christina Fulton blamed Nicolas Cage for their son's addiction (Getty Images)

Nicolas Cage's son with Christina Fulton, Weston Cage, faced a tumultuous period marked by violent incidents and psychiatric holds. A particularly alarming episode in 2011 outside a Hollywood restaurant prompted his mother to express concerns about his well-being in Nicolas Cage's care. Following a subsequent arrest, Weston entered a top-rated rehab center for a week, aiming to address his challenges with the necessary support.

6. Ozzy Osbourne's daughter, Kelly Osbourne

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne attend the Pre-GRAMM
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's daughter Kelly Osbourne entered rehab multiple times (Getty Images)

Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock icons Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, grappled with addiction, leading to multiple rehab stays. Emphasizing the importance of therapy, Kelly acknowledged its role in her journey to sobriety and self-improvement. Her memoir, 'There is No F------ Secret: Letters From a Badass B----', candidly explores her experiences and underscores the significance of personal commitment in overcoming addiction.

7. Robert Downey Sr's struggles with Robert Downey Jr

NEW YORK - MAY 08:  Actor Robert Downey Jr. and father Robert Downey Sr. arrive at TIME's 100 Most I
Robert Downey Jr, son of Robert Downey Sr, struggled with substance abuse (Getty Images)

While Robert Downey Jr is now a Hollywood powerhouse, his path was fraught with substance abuse and legal troubles. The actor, son of Robert Downey Sr, faced arrests and rehab visits during the darker periods of his career. Admitting himself to various state institutions, including Wavelengths International, Downey Jr eventually triumphed over his struggles and reclaimed his status in the industry.

8. Tom Hanks' son, Chet Hanks

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26:  Tom Hanks attends
After achieving sobriety, Chet Hanks expressed love and gratitude towards his father Tom Hanks (Getty Images)

Tom Hanks' son, Chet Hanks, embarked on a challenging journey with rehab, beginning his first stint at the age of 17. Despite initial relapses and a tumultuous period, Chet eventually found clarity and sobriety. Reflecting on his lowest point, he acknowledged the psychological toll of his struggles but expressed love and gratitude towards his parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

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